Why is MAST’s focus shifting from removing dead and diseased trees to thinning live trees?
The focus of the MAST abatement program has shifted to the thinning of live trees (green and ladder fuels) to restore the health of the forest and further reduce the fire danger. Green trees and vegetation, especially those with low moisture content and high oil content, also burn and can fuel a fire. Ladder fuel consists of small trees and vegetation growing under mature trees, allowing flames to climb into the higher tree branches and cause crown fires in the treetops. By thinning live trees, it frees up more water and other resources to restore the vigor of the remaining trees, which will be more able to ward off a beetle infestation and will be more resistant to fire. A thinner forest is also more park-like in appearance and more closely resembles the natural forest of centuries past.
